A dementia sufferer is lucky to be alive after would-be metal thieves targeted her care home.

The 64-year-old’s ceiling partially collapsed at Swinton Hall Nursing Home, which specialises in caring for those with dementia, after thieves attempted to steal lead from the roof between April 12 and 17.

Water began to seep through the severley damaged roof and pour through the ceiling before the woman escaped into a different room.

Sergeant Peter Crane, from Swinton Police, said: "Luckily the water poured onto the floor rather than directly onto the woman as she slept, and even more luckily the ceiling itself did not completely collapse otherwise this woman could have been seriously injured.

"The woman has had to be moved out of her room, along with her belongings, until the damage can be repaired and all this is thanks to the ham-fisted attempts of thieves desperate to get their hands on metal."

Sergeant Crane added: "What this incident also shows is how dangerous metal theft can be – it is not a victimless crime by any stretch of the imagination, and the hazards are very real. If this ceiling had collapsed this woman could have suffered serious injury and all for what? A few quid.

"That is why it is so important we find the offenders and I would appeal to anyone who has information about what happened to come forward.

"I would like to make a direct appeal to parents in the Salford area. If you think your son may have been involved in something like this - think to yourself: 'What if it was my loved one in a nursing home whose life was put in jeopardy?' You would want justice, so please do the right thing and help us."

Water had also poured into the kitchen, gym and another bedroom and will cost up to £2,000 to repair.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call police in Salford on 0161 856 5665 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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